More of Sai Kung coast protected

More than 600 hectares of coastal enclaves in Sai Kung now fall under restricted land use, after the defacement of Tai Long Sai Wan in 2010 raised public awareness of development abuses.

The interim zoning of the two pockets of land brings to 18 the number of country park enclaves that the Town Planning Board has put under land use zoning control since a private site behind the scenic Sai Wan beach was marred by excavation in July 2010. The incident triggered strong public demand for plugging planning loopholes.

The board put 34.7 hectares in Chek Keng and 33.7 hectares in Yung Shue O under draft development permission area plans. Such plans forbid any development unless it is in line with the interim zoning or has gained the board's approval.

The plans are necessary to protect the areas from uncontrolled development that might affect the landscape and natural environment, the board says.

Two to three hectares at each of the two sites are temporarily zoned for village-type development, mainly to reflect the existing boundaries of the villages there, while the rest of the land is zoned as unspecified use, pending further studies, the board says.

Chek Keng, surrounded by Sai Kung East Country Park, is a popular hiking and camping area and features an abandoned village. It has no road access and only infrequent ferry access.